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Changes in primary care access at community health centers between 2012/2013 and 2016
Author(s) -
Saloner Brendan,
Wilk Adam S.,
Wissoker Douglas,
Candon Molly,
Hempstead Katherine,
Rhodes Karin V.,
Polsky Daniel E.,
Kenney Genevieve M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
health services research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.706
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1475-6773
pISSN - 0017-9124
DOI - 10.1111/1475-6773.13082
Subject(s) - medicaid , audit , medicine , health insurance , primary care , patient protection and affordable care act , family medicine , health care , business , accounting , economics , economic growth
Objective To compare access at community health centers ( CHC s) vs private offices (non‐CHCs) under the Affordable Care Act. Data Source Ten state primary care audit conducted in 2012/2013 and 2016. Study Design CHC s and non‐ CHC s were called. We calculated difference in differences comparing CHC s vs non‐ CHC s by caller insurance type. Principal Findings In both rounds, Medicaid and uninsured callers had higher appointment rates at CHC than non‐ CHC s. CHC appointment rates significantly increased between 2012/2013 and 2016 for both employer‐sponsored and Medicaid callers, with no significant wait time changes. Appointment rates increased (13.5% points, P < 0.001) and wait times decreased (−5.7 days, P = 0.017) at CHC s relative to non‐ CHC s for employer‐sponsored insurance. Conclusion Appointment availability at CHC s improved after ACA implementation, without increased wait times.